Scarce as hen’s teeth

Scarce as hen’s teeth

A popular quote

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Identify this bird

I am a bird in the rail family. I have an almost worldwide distribution including deserts, tropical rain forests, and also the polar regions. I actually prefer wetlands. I have a number of related species.

I’m a distinctive species, with dark plumage apart from the white undertail, yellow legs and a red facial shield. The young are browner and lack the red shield. I have a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened.

I am a common breeding bird in marsh environments and well-vegetated lakes.